Corrosion Control Flight efforts bring new perspective, positive change Published July 8, 2011 By Faye Banks-Anderson 78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Sometimes it just takes a little new blood to get things going in the right direction. On the job only a few months, David Rice has brought a new perspective and positive change to workers in the 402nd Aircraft Maintenance Support Squadron's Corrosion Control Flight. Rice, deputy flight chief, uses his background in quality assurance, paint, and as a FOD manager as a basis for change. Since arriving, Rice has concentrated on "having everything at the nose of the aircraft" to make the mechanics' lives easier and reduce cross contamination. Another initiative he created has resulted in some permanent limited-duty restriction workers returning to full duty without restrictions. "His changes make a lot of sense," said Tim Cerka, work leader. According to Cerka, having more items available in the regulated area reduces the chances for cross contamination. After listening to his mechanics' ideas and working with Cerka, Rice devised a plan to have point-of-use type cabinets and shadow boxes to house the mechanics items like sanders, sealing paint guns and fall arrest harnesses in the regulated area. "This creates a tool control process ... leads to accountability," said Rice. "It's also helpful to our decontamination process." Another area the organization has experienced success in is how it uses limited-duty restriction workers in their flight. The results have been successful; three out of seven permanent limited-duty restriction workers have returned to full duty without restrictions. Rice decided, after talking with Emily Celner, a rehabilitation specialist, to change how limited-duty restriction employees worked in his area. With the buy in from the union and Ed Montano, Aircraft Maintenance Group deputy director, Rice instituted a program to put the workers in jobs where they truly contribute to the flight. "It wasn't their fault they were hurt on the job," said Rice. "We should have been more committed to find something meaningful for them to do. Sometimes we lose sight of the person." After looking at the workers' core documents and working within their restrictions, their new jobs included lean initiatives such as 6S. Workers cleaned locker rooms, break rooms and all common areas to reduce cross contamination. Under the program, the workers were put on day shift so they could also work with the rehabilitation specialist and their doctors. "We've proven with this program it works," said Rice. "There's one employee who shakes my hand every week. It was a way to give them self worth." "At least they're doing something, not nothing," said Cerka. "In the past, all of the issues weren't addressed." "Now, our management works with us," continued Cerka. "They've done a lot in the past few months to keep us safer. We are going by OSHA standards, OIs and process orders. "They are making sure we stay compliant." And it all started with new blood - David Rice.